How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 27&28

HOW TO HATE YOUR HUSBAND

How To Hate Your Husband – Chapter 27&28

{•𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲•}

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆- 𝐒𝐈𝐍 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐔𝐁𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍.

☆ 𝑶𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝑵𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍 𝒃𝒚 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒍𝒆. ☆

©𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞

✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦✦

 

Romeo took two deliberate steps forward, the marble floor barely making a sound beneath his shoes. He slipped his hands into his pockets.

A slow, humorless breath left him.

“Hm. So you’ll really disown your own son?” he said quietly. “Because I refuse to get back together with Rias?”

Hinata didn’t answer. Her fist was clenched, eyes blazing.

Romeo tilted his head slightly, as if studying her.

“Then listen very carefully, Hinata. I want this to be clear.”

His voice dropped cold.

“I don’t like Rias.”

“I don’t like how she looks. I don’t like her personality. I don’t like her mentally.” His mouth twisted in disgust. “Fuck, I don’t even like the fact that she exists.”

“Romeo—” Hinata started, shocked.

He cut her off instantly.

“You keep calling Bianca a slut,” He continued, stepping closer now, his presence pressing into the room, “…but do you know what your precious Rias has been doing?”

Hinata’s eyes flickered.

“She’s been throwing herself at me. Shamelessly, And you know what I hate more than anything?” His tone hardened.

Silence.

“I hate women who think they can use their bodies to trap me.” His eyes burned. “That includes Rias.”

Hinata’s lips parted, furious. “Watch your mouth—”

“No,” Romeo snapped. “You watch yours.”

He leaned in just enough for the threat to land, voice low and lethal.

“The next time you or Rias say anything filthy about Bianca, you’ll answer to me.” A pause. “And trust me when I say this, I will slap the living daylight out of both of you.”

Hinata recoiled a step, rage exploding across her face.

“Did you just threaten to slap me?” She demanded. “I am your mother!”

Romeo’s lips curled, not in a smile, but something colder.

“Mother?” He echoed. “I thought I’d already been disowned.”

He straightened, hands still in his pockets, gaze stripped of warmth.

Then he turned his back on her.

And walked out.

—-

Romeo walked out of the house without looking back and slid into the driver’s seat. Bianca was already inside the car, hands folded on her lap, eyes lifting to him the moment the door shut.

“Hey,” she said softly. “How’s your mom? What did you two talk about?”

Romeo pulled the door closed, his jaw tight as he fastened his seatbelt.

“She’s probably drowning in rage,” He said flatly. “Except, she’s not my mom anymore.”

Bianca turned fully toward him. “What? Romeo—what happened?”

He reached across her without a word and clipped her seatbelt into place.

“You love asking questions, Bianca,” He muttered, eyes lifting to hers. Their faces were inches apart now, his gaze unreadable.

Her brows knitted.

“What happened?” she pressed. “What do you mean she’s not your mom anymore? What did you do, Romeo?”

His hand withdrew slowly.
“I just got disowned,” He said lowly.

“Disowned?” The word barely left her lips.

“She asked me to choose,” He continued, leaning back as he started the engine. “You or Rias. I didn’t give her the answer she wanted so now she’s pissed.”

“Pretty lame way to try and trap me.”A humorless scoff.

Bianca swallowed.

“Romeo… why not just do what she wants?” She said carefully. “I don’t mind. I was already preparing myself for the possibility that you’d reject me when I asked you back then. I don’t want to be the reason you and your mother become enemies. She’s still your mom.”

He turned to her then, really looked at her.

“Do you trust me?”

“Romeo—”

“Answer me.”

She hesitated for only a second. “I do.”

“Good.”

He shifted the gear and pulled out of the driveway.

His phone buzzed against the console. Bianca picked it up, her eyes scanning the screen.

“Tiago just texted,” She said. “Goro wants you at headquarters.”

“Why?”Romeo frowned slightly.

“He says it’s important. Goro wants to see the leaders of every clan.”

“Hm,” Romeo murmured, eyes back on the road, his grip tightening on the wheel as the car disappeared down the street.

_____
[𝐘𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐳𝐚 𝐇𝐐]

Romeo walked into the meeting room with Bianca beside him.

The doors slid shut behind them with a heavy, deliberate sound that echoed through the vast chamber. The room itself was circular, A massive obsidian round table sat at the center, its polished surface reflecting the cold white lights hanging above.

The seat was occupied.

Six leaders of the seven clans in Tokyo.

Each leader had one trusted member seated slightly behind them.

Romeo simply walked forward, pulled out a chair, and sat down, Bianca settling beside him.

Goro, seated at the head of the table, watched them closely.

“I thought you wouldn’t show up.” Goro said at last, his voice low and gravelly.

Romeo leaned back in his chair, resting one arm casually along the backrest.

“Why’s that?” He asked.

“Well, disobedience is your middle name.” Aizawa, seated two chairs to Goro’s left, scoffed loudly.

A few of the leaders smirked. Others watched carefully, waiting to see if Romeo would react.

He didn’t even look at Aizawa.

Instead, Romeo turned his attention back to Goro. “What’s the purpose of this meeting?”

Goro’s lips twitched, not quite a smile, not quite a frown. He appreciated the directness.

“Apparently,” Goro began, folding his hands on the table, “….we received intel that the Black Fang Clan in Italy wiped out all seventy Mafia clans in Europe. And now they’re the ones in charge in general.”

The room erupted instantly.

Murmurs, sharp whispers and chairs shifting.

“Seventy?”
“That’s impossible.”
“Are they that crazy?.”
“Europe has always been fragmented—”

Bianca’s gaze flicked to Romeo.

He met her eyes for a brief second.

Something unreadable passed between them before she looked away again, her fist tightening.

Goro raised one hand.

Silence fell slowly, grudgingly.

“Additionally,” Goro continued, “…we’re certain the Italian Mafia is positioning itself for a larger expansion.”

A pause.

“We believe they may be preparing to wage war against Mafia clans in Asia.”

The murmurs returned, louder this time.

“Do other countries in Asia know?”Kai leaned forward, his fingers steepled.

“Yes,” Clara answered calmly, her voice cutting through the noise. She sat beside Goro, poised and composed, eyes sharp with intelligence. “China. Korea. Thailand. Philippines, even parts of Russia. They’ve been informed.”

“And?” Kai pressed.

Clara exhaled slowly. “According to them, it’s better not to assume the Italian Mafia is trying to wage war against Asia.”

A sharp laugh echoed from the far side of the table.

“Are they stupid or just dumb?” One of the leaders snapped. “You don’t wipe out an entire continent’s underworld and stop there.”

“Exactly,” Another chimed in. “They shouldn’t let their guards down like that.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter, does it? If the Italian Mafia were to attack Asia, the Yakuza would be their first target since we have the strongest base amongst all others in Asia.” Goro said.

The weight of that statement settled heavily in the room.

Romeo’s jaw tightened slightly.

“So,” Clara continued, turning her attention toward him, “…we should probably strategize on how to respond before they try anything against us. Romeo, what do you think?”

Every eye shifted to him.

Romeo didn’t answer immediately.

Then he leaned forward, resting both forearms on the table.

“We don’t have to declare war against them yet,” Romeo said calmly.

A few brows furrowed.

“But,” He continued, “….we prepare for one as if it’s already inevitable.”

“Meaning?” Kai asked.

Romeo turned his head slightly toward him.

“Each of you has influence beyond Japan. Some of you have ports. Others have people embedded in customs, shipping companies, embassies, or underground markets.”

He looked at Goro directly now.

“We don’t have to rush into anything,” he said. “Each clan must gather intel on the Italian Mafia on their own.”

The room stayed quiet as he continued.

“Find out how they operate, and how far their influence really goes. We need to know if they’re actually planning to move into Asia or if this is just posturing after taking over Europe.”

He glanced around the table.

“And if we confirm they’re preparing for war against us, we don’t sit back and wait. Waiting gives them the advantage.”

“So you’re saying we attack first?” Kai asked.

“Yes,” Romeo replied plainly. “By the time they try to make a move on Asia, we’ll already attack them. A suprise attack on them will weaken their defenses and give us the upper hand.”

A short silence followed.

Then nods.

One after another, the leaders agreed.

Goro finally spoke. “That settles it.”

He looked around the table. “Each clan will gather its own intel and report back. You have one week.”

His gaze hardened slightly.

“I’ll call for another meeting once the reports are in.”

The meeting adjourned.

Romeo looked at Bianca and she was smirking to herself, he smirked as well when their eyes met.

_____
[𝐑𝐘𝐔𝐊𝐀𝐈]

Romeo and Bianca stepped out of the car.

The compound was already alive with people heading towards the Casino and brothels.

Men in black moved along the perimeter in silent patrols, boots crunching lightly against gravel.

Some stood posted at corners with rifles strapped across their chests, others paced slowly with earpieces tucked in.

Bianca adjusted her jacket as they headed toward the entrance.

Romeo walked a few steps behind her, hands tucked into his pockets, unhurried. Watching.

“Bianca,” he called.

She stopped and turned.

“Yes?” she asked.

He closed the distance between them in two long strides, his height eclipsing hers. His voice dropped, low enough that only she could hear.

“Let’s talk later.”

Bianca swallowed, feeling the weight behind the words, then nodded.

Romeo didn’t wait for anything else. He walked past her and entered first.

—

“You’re finally back,” Hunter said, falling into step beside him as they headed toward Romeo’s suite.

Tiago joined them from the corridor. “How was the meeting? What was it about?”

“We should probably start preparing for a war.”Bianca answered before Romeo could.

Hunter stopped walking. “A war? What do you mean, war?”

Tiago looked sharply at Romeo. “Boss?”

Romeo kept walking till they entered his suite. “Tiago.”

“Yes, boss.”

“I want you to oversee the armory,” Romeo said calmly. “Bullets, guns, rifles, explosives, body armor, communication devices. Make sure we have more than enough.”

Tiago nodded immediately.

“Inform the men as well,” Romeo added. “If what we suspect is true, we may be heading to Italy soon for a war.”

“Yes, boss,” Tiago said and peeled off down another corridor.

Hunter exhaled slowly. “This is serious. Out of everything I wanted right now, a war is dead last.”

Romeo glanced at him. “You scared?”

Hunter scoffed. “Do I look scared to you?”

“No,” Romeo replied.

“Then why ask?” Hunter shot back.

Romeo gave a short scoff and turned toward his bedroom.

“By the way,” Hunter added, following him a few steps, “…your mom called earlier. Told me to talk to you. You really got disowned?”

“Got a problem with that?” Romeo asked flatly.

“No,” Hunter said. “Just saying. You’re stubborn as hell.”

He paused, then added, “You should start preparing for the trip too. We’re leaving in a week.”

Romeo stopped at his door and looked back. “Why do I need to start getting ready now? Do I look like a lady to you?”

Hunter rolled his eyes. “Whatever. I’m leaving. I’ve got something to handle.”

He turned and walked away, leaving Romeo standing at the entrance to his room.

Bianca followed Romeo inside his room and shut the door before turning to him.

“Trip?” Bianca echoed, walking closer. “You’re going on a trip with Hunter?”

Romeo didn’t answer immediately.

He reached up and pulled his shirt over his head, the fabric sliding off his body like it was nothing.

He tossed it aside, then unclasped his wristwatch and dropped it on the dresser with a soft clink.

“Paris,” He said casually. “It’s some college reunion crap. Don’t even know why I agreed to go.”

Bianca stopped right in front of him. Her lips pushed into a small pout before she even realized she was doing it.

Romeo turned fully toward her, one brow lifting.

“You gonna miss me?” He asked, a sly edge curling his voice.

“Hm.” She wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers lacing together behind him, tilting her face up so their eyes met. “What do you think?”

His mouth curved slowly.

His hand slid down her back, firm, possessive and then he gave her ass a light, sharp smack. Just enough to make her gasp and glare at him at the same time.

“Romeo,” She muttered, half-amused.

He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “I have something I need you to do for me.”

He brushed his lips near her ear and whispered.

Bianca’s smile changed instantly, darker, as Romeo told her a couple of things.

“Sure,” She said smoothly. “Enjoy your trip. I’ll take care of things.”

She kissed him, slow and deliberate.

Romeo kissed her back harder this time, his grip tightening as he lifted her effortlessly, her legs instinctively wrapping around his waist.

Without breaking contact, he started toward the bathroom.

“Hey,” Bianca laughed softly, breathless. “What are you up to?”

He pushed the bathroom door open and leaned in close, his mouth brushing her ear.

“Something nasty,” He murmured.

He shut the door behind them.

“F+k—Romeo,” Bianca laughed, her voice echoing faintly. “Slow down, will you?”

His low chuckle answered her.

And whatever happened next stayed behind that closed door, heated, reckless, and unmistakably theirs.

______
[𝐒𝐆 𝐄𝐧𝐭. – 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢’𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞]

Levi stepped out of his room, tugging his joggers up his hips, hair still damp like he’d just come from the shower. He was halfway to the living room when he stopped short.

Sky stood there.

Levi blinked once. Then twice.

“Sky?” he called, genuinely startled.

Sky turned.

“Can we talk?” Sky asked.

Levi exhaled slowly.
“I’m not really in the mood for your arguments right now, Sky. I’m kinda busy and—”

“I’m sorry.”

Levi froze.

His brows knit together as he stared at Sky.

“Huh?” He stepped closer. “Are you drunk? Are you okay?”

“I’m sober,” Sky said quietly. “And yeah… I’m okay. Just—” He paused, jaw tightening. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you and Nancy. And Ginger.”

Levi didn’t interrupt. He waited.

“You were worried about me,” Sky continued. “All of you were. And I shouldn’t have lashed out like that. I was frustrated. A lot is happening right now, and I just acted out.”

Silence followed.

Levi studied him for a moment, then let out a small breath and smiled.

“Wow,” he said honestly. “I didn’t expect you to apologize.”

Sky gave a short, humorless huff. “Yeah. Neither did I.”

Levi shrugged lightly. “It’s fine. We’re cool.”

Sky nodded, relief flickering across his face. He shifted his weight. “I’ll be leaving now.”

“Leaving?” Levi frowned. “Nah. Sit down.” He turned toward the built-in cellar. “What do you want? Wine? Whiskey? Something light?”

“I shouldn’t,” Sky said, but he didn’t move toward the door.

Levi glanced back at him. “You came all the way here to apologize and you’re just gonna dip?”

Sky hesitated, then finally sighed. “One drink.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” Levi said, already reaching for a bottle.

Sky sat on the couch, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.

Levi poured the drinks and handed one to him.

“So,” he said casually, dropping into the armchair opposite him. “What’s really going on with you? Have they been able to prove that the video was fake?”

Sky took another breath, then spoke again, quieter this time.

“As of now, they still can’t trace the anonymous source the video came from,” He said.

“So my team is trying to block anyone from filing a case against me. We’re also flipping the narrative claiming I’m being harassed with a fake video.”

“Tough.”Levi sighed, rolling his shoulders.

Sky looked at him then, really looked at him.

“You and Nancy are pretty close these days, huh?”

“Yes,” Levi answered simply.

“Is she your girlfriend?” Sky asked.

Levi froze.

The room went still, the air tightening between them.

“What’s with the sudden question?” Levi asked, tone even but guarded.

“Nothing,” Sky said quickly. “I just wanted to know.”

Levi tilted his head slightly. “What do you think?”

Sky frowned. “Levi, I’m serious. Is she… your girlfriend?”

Levi studied him for a long moment, then asked, “Do you like her?”

Sky stiffened. “I didn’t say I did.”

“Then there probably isn’t any reason for you to know whether she’s my girlfriend or not,” Levi replied calmly.

Sky held his gaze for a second longer, then nodded once.

“Forget I asked.”

He lifted his glass and drank, the liquid burning down his throat as the silence settled back in—thicker now, heavier, filled with things neither of them were ready to say.

______
[𝐂𝐚𝐟𝐞́]

The waiter set their cups down gently, porcelain clicking against the saucers.

“Enjoy,” He said with a polite smile before walking away.

Rias barely noticed him.

Her fingers curled slowly around her cup as she leaned forward, eyes searching Hinata’s face.

“So… mom,” She asked quietly, trying to sound hopeful, “How was your conversation with Romeo? Did he agree to take me back?”

Hinata let out a short, humorless breath and lifted her cup.

“Goodness, Rias,” She said flatly. “I don’t know what kind of monster I birthed. That boy would rather be disowned by me than reject that Bianca.”

Rias’s lips parted. Her fist tightened around her cup.

“Fuck,” She muttered under her breath.

“And Bianca? Can’t you do something about her? Send her away? Transfer her? Anything?”

Hinata stirred her drink slowly, unbothered.

“As much as I want to,” She replied, “She’s important to the clan. And since Romeo is in charge, no one touches her without his word. That boy even threatened me.”

Rias’s nails dug into her palm.

Hinata paused, then tilted her head slightly.
“Although… there is a way.”

Rias’s breath hitched. “What way, mom?”

Hinata leaned closer across the table, lowering her voice. Her presence suddenly felt heavier.

“Are you willing,” She asked calmly, “…to have Bianca killed?”

The world tilted.

Rias froze.

“Kill…?” She whispered, the word stumbling out of her mouth like it didn’t belong there.

Hinata studied her closely, eyes cold but steady.

“I’ve killed a couple of my enemies in the past,” She said casually. “Back when I was still active in the clan.”

Rias felt a shockwave roll through her chest. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears.

“As much as I wanted you in the Yakuza,” Hinata continued, unfazed, “….your grandfather wouldn’t allow it. Neither would I. You were different. Softer, smarter and becoming a doctor suited you. That was why we believed the marriage would work.”

Rias swallowed hard.

Of course becoming a doctor was her late father’s dream and her own as well. Blood was never part of that picture.

“But,” Hinata went on, her tone lowering, “…if Bianca disappears… if you want her gone… I can show you how.”

Rias’s fingers trembled around the cup.

“It’s your battle,” Hinata said quietly. “And you’ll have to fight it if you want your husband back.”

Rias felt her throat tighten.

She imagined Bianca’s face. Romeo’s voice. His indifference. His rejection.

Then blood. Darkness. Consequences she couldn’t undo. Could she really kill?

“I… um… I…” Rias stammered, her voice barely holding together.

For the first time, she truly understood something terrifying. This was the kind of woman Romeo came from and that’s the kind of woman Bianca is too.

Was that what he wanted? Someone just as ruthless to meet his standards?

Hinata chuckled softly, the sound low and controlled, almost teasing.

“Don’t be silly, Rias,” She said, her sharp eyes scanning Rias. “Stuff like that… it’s not for you.”

Rias exhaled slowly, tension leaving her in a shaky rush. Her hands tightened around her coffee cup as if holding onto something solid.

Hinata set her own cup down and leaned back slightly, her tone changing, measured but commanding.

“Now… get ready to go to Paris.”

Rias blinked. “Paris?”

“Yes,” Hinata replied, her voice calm but deliberate.

“Hunter told me over the phone when I told him to talk to Romeo. He and Romeo are going to Paris for a college reunion. You can tag along as well. I’ll send you the details so you can go directly there.”

Rias tilted her head, hesitating. “You don’t think Bianca would go?”

Hinata’s lips curved slightly in a cold, almost knowing smile. “I doubt it. This is your chance. He’s all yours there, Rias. And you can do whatever you want with him.”

Rias’s eyes flicked down, a rush of excitement mixed with nervous anticipation.

“The hospital…” she murmured, voice uncertain.

“The family owns the hospital,” Hinata said sharply, but kindly. “You don’t need anyone’s permission to leave when you want to. Just enjoy yourself.”

Rias felt a warmth bloom in her chest, gratitude and relief intertwining. “Thank you so much, Mom.”

“Anything for you, my dear,” Hinata replied, her eyes softening for the briefest moment before the edge returned, like steel wrapped in silk.

Rias nodded, trying to steel herself for what lay ahead, the trip, Romeo, and the plans she has for getting him back.

_____
[𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧]

Hunter paced the room, frustration written all over him. He had called Billie earlier to come over, but she wasn’t here yet.

He needed to fix this before leaving for Paris and handle his situation with Sasha.

The main door opened and Billie stepped in, closing it behind her. She looked around, a little surprised, it was the first time she had been in his house.

“You’re late.” Hunter said.

“I’m sorry. Traffic was bad, and I feel really dizzy right now.” Billie replied, heading toward the couch.

“Follow me.” Hunter said, walking toward one of the rooms downstairs. She followed, dropping her bag.

Inside the room, Hunter poured a drink and handed it to her. “Let’s talk about the pregnancy, since you’ve decided to keep it.”

“I can’t drink alcohol.”Billie looked at him.

“You think I’m stupid enough to give you alcohol?” Hunter almost yelled. “It’s strawberry juice. Don’t worry.”

She took it and sat on the bed.

“So… are you planning on taking responsibility?” she asked, her voice thin, guarded.

Hunter didn’t hesitate.
“Sure. But don’t get it twisted, I’m not taking you back as a girlfriend. Not now. Not ever.”

Her brows furrowed. “Did your girlfriend consent to this? She’s not mad?”

He looked at her like she’d crossed a line.
“What she thinks isn’t your business.”

Her lips parted slightly.

“So you two aren’t on good terms?” A fragile hope flickered. “Then… maybe we can just get back together—”

She reached for his hand.

He let her touch him.

“I’ll take responsibility for the baby,” he said flatly. “Nothing else.”

Billie picked up the cup with shaking fingers and drank, swallowing too fast, like she needed something, anything to ground herself. When she was done, she handed it back.

“So,” She asked quietly, forcing steadiness into her voice, “What exactly am I here for?”

Hunter’s eyes darkened.

“An abortion.”

Her breath caught.

“Abortion?” Her voice cracked. “I never said I wanted one.”

“I never said I needed your permission.”

Her body went cold.

She swallowed hard, fingers clutching the bedsheet.

“Did you… did you put something in my drink?” Her voice trembled. “Did you put abortion pills in them?”

“No,” Hunter said calmly, stepping closer.

Her chest heaved.

“But,” he continued softly, almost kindly, “…you’re going to feel very sleepy. And when you wake up, this problem will be gone.”

A dark smile touched his lips.

“Our baby will be gone.”

Billie grabbed his arm, panic flooding her face.

“Hunter—no. You can’t do this to me.” Tears spilled freely now. “Please. I want to keep the baby. I won’t bother you, I swear. You don’t have to take responsibility. I’ll disappear. Just let me keep my baby, please.”

Her voice broke into sobs.

He stared down at her, unmoved.

“You actually think I’d trust you to stay away from me?” he said coldly. “I have a girlfriend. One I intend to marry and you think I’d let you walk around with my child like a ticking bomb?”

He reached behind him and placed something heavy beside her on the bed.

A gun.

Her sobs turned into silent, shaking breaths.

“Once this is done,” He said lowly, “You’re going to forget I exist. You’re going to forget Sasha exists. You will stay far away from me.”

He leaned closer, his voice a whisper of death.

“Or I’ll kill you.”

Her vision blurred. The room felt like it was tilting.

“Understood?” he demanded.

She nodded weakly, terrified, tears soaking the pillow beneath her head.

Her limbs felt heavy. Too heavy.

The ceiling swam. Her eyelids fluttered.

“Good,” Hunter said, straightening as her eyes slowly closed.

She slipped into darkness.

Hunter pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

“Come to the room downstairs.”

Minutes later, quiet footsteps echoed. Two figures entered, doctors to be exact, carrying sealed cases and equipment meant for clinical use, their faces unreadable.

Hunter had already moved her, laying her carefully onto a sterile table in the inner room.

The air smelled sharp and cold.

“Carry out the procedure,” he said without looking back. “Call me when you’re done.”

He turned and walked out, the door closing behind him with a final, hollow sound.

And Billie lay unconscious, tears still dried on her cheeks.

______
[𝐊𝐚𝐢’𝐬 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚]

Kai leaned back against the bed, arms folded, eyes dark with irritation as he read a report given to him by Emma.

“So it’s true,” He said flatly. “Sky’s agency is spinning the scandal to their favor.”

Emma scoffed. “Of course they are. They’re going to turn him into a saint, the plan wasn’t really worth it.”

Kai’s jaw tightened. “I don’t have time for that bullshit. I have bigger things to handle.”

Emma glanced at her phone again, the screen lighting up with Sky’s name. Missed calls. Again.

“He keeps calling me,” she muttered. “Can I just end things with him already?”

Kai looked at her then. Slowly. Deliberately.

“That’s exactly what you’re going to do.”

Emma stilled. “You want me to break up with him?”

“Yes,” Kai said calmly. “You’ll lure him back to his old apartment. Tell him you want to talk to him. Whatever excuse works to get him out of the agency.”

“And then?”

“Make sure he stays there and doesn’t leave.” Kai replied.

Emma swallowed. “Kai…”

“Once he’s out of the picture, his agency can spin whatever story they want. There won’t be a Sky left to protect.”

The room fell quiet.

Emma exhaled slowly. “You’re really going to kill him.”

“Isn’t that my plan from the onset? I planned on making him commit suicide but it’s not going to work if they keep finding solutions instead if making Sky drown in his misery.” Kai said.

He turned away, already done with the conversation.

Emma took out her phone and texted Sky.

Emma: Let’s meet up at your apartment.

Sky: Emma? So glad you texted.

Emma: Let’s meet at your apartment.

Sky: I won’t be able to leave yet until after a week, the scandal should’ve died down a bit. I also really need to talk to you.

Emma: Sure. I’ll text you when. I’ll be waiting for you there.

Sky: Can I call? I really miss you right now.

Emma: I’m a bit busy, bye.

She went offline immediately.

“So?” Kai arched his brow.

“He agreed to meet up with me. You sure it won’t be traced back to me?” Emma asked.

“No. I mean, he won’t even suspect you are behind it.”Kai said and Emma nodded.

_____
[𝐒𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐚’𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐨]

Sasha stood by the window, arms crossed tightly over her chest as Hunter paced behind her.

“Billie aborted the pregnancy. You don’t have anything to worry about anymore.”

Sasha turned slowly.

“No.” Her voice was calm, but her eyes burned. “I don’t believe that.”

Hunter stopped pacing. “Why wouldn’t you?”

“Because Billie wouldn’t just agree to something like that,” Sasha shot back.

A beat of silence stretched between them.

“Did you threaten her?”Her jaw tightened.

Hunter’s expression barely shifted.

“Sasha…”

“Did. You. Threaten. Her?” she repeated, stepping closer.

He exhaled, rubbing his jaw. “You’re overthinking this. She knew what keeping that baby would do. To me. To you. To everything. She agreed cause I told her she’s in her own if she decides to keep the baby.”

“That’s not an answer.”

“She made the choice,” He said flatly. “End of story.”

Sasha shook her head, disbelief twisting her face. “You expect me to believe that she just woke up one day and decided to do you a favor?”

Hunter reached for her arm. She pulled away immediately.

“Don’t touch me.”

His eyes darkened.

“I’m not ready to get back together,” She said firmly. “I’m still mad at you.”

“Get back together?”He laughed under his breath.

“Yes,” Sasha snapped. “We broke up, remember?”

Hunter stepped closer, his presence suddenly heavy, suffocating.

“No,” He said quietly. “We didn’t.”

Her pulse skipped. “Hunter…”

“You don’t just break up with me, Sasha.” He interrupted, voice dropping.

She stared at him, unsettled.

“You’d have to kill me first.”

For a split second, fear flickered across her face.

Then he smiled.

Just like that—easy, charming, terrifying.

“I’m going to Paris,” He said lightly. “For a college reunion. Come with me.”

“No,” Sasha said immediately. “You should leave.”

He tilted his head. “You’re still upset. C’mon Sasha, I apologized already..”

“I said no. Please—just go.”

The doorbell rang.

They both turned toward the door as Rias walked in.

Hunter’s smile widened.

Before she could react, he leaned in, pressed a kiss against her lips—soft, possessive, deliberate.

Then he pulled back.

“See you soon,” he murmured.

He walked past her and out the door.

Sasha stood frozen in the middle of the apartment, her hand slowly rising to her mouth, her heart racing, dread settling deep in her chest as the door clicked shut behind him.

“You and your boyfriend are so sweet,” Rias giggled as she walked past Sasha, heading straight for the cellar like she owned the place.

Sasha glanced over her shoulder. “Thought you said you were coming this afternoon. I was expecting you.”

“I was with Aunt Hinata,” Rias replied lightly, reaching for a bottle.

Sasha nodded once, not pressing. “So?”

Rias turned, eyes bright. “We’re going to Paris.”

Sasha frowned. “What for?”

Rias tilted her head. “Aren’t you going with Hunter?”

“No.”

“Well now you’re going with me.”Rias smiled wider.

“For what exactly? What are you planning to do there? You and Romeo aren’t even together. You were dumped.”Sasha laughed dryly.

“ Sasha…” Rias warned softly, her smile tightening.

Sasha crossed her arms. “I’m serious. Paris isn’t going to magically change the fact that he chose Bianca over you. You can’t convince the guy overnight.”

Rias walked closer, lowering her voice. “Paris gives me time, space and opportunity.”

“Opportunity for what?”

“For Romeo,” Rias said without hesitation. “There, I’ll have him to myself. No Bianca hovering around. No work distractions. I’ll make sure something happens between us before we come back.”

Sasha studied her face, unimpressed. “Don’t you think you’re acting a little desperate?”

Rias didn’t flinch. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”

She stepped closer, eyes hard now. “I can’t let Bianca win. I won’t. She took something that was meant to be mine and I’ll get it back..”

“You can’t force someone to love you, Rias.”Sasha shook her head slowly.

“I don’t need to force him.” Rias replied calmly. “I just need to remind him of whom he needs more.”

She lifted her glass, smirking. “And Paris is the perfect place to do that.”

_____
[𝐀 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 – 𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐘 – 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐧]

The black car glided smoothly along the narrow road, its tinted windows reflecting nothing but endless green and the deep blue stretch of the ocean beside it.

Tall trees lined both sides, their shadows swallowing the asphalt as waves crashed faintly below the cliffside.

The island was isolated, guarded by nature itself—no signs, no houses, no life beyond what was meant to be here.

The vehicle slowed, then turned through a wide iron gate that blended almost seamlessly into the surrounding rock. Beyond it stood the Black Fang Clan compound—an expansive fortified estate hidden within the island.

High concrete walls wrapped around the grounds, reinforced with steel, surveillance cameras mounted at every angle.

The car rolled to a stop beneath the covered entrance.

The door opened.

A pair of black heeled boots stepped onto the stone pavement. The door slammed shut with a sharp echo as she straightened, adjusting her dark shades with practiced ease.

“Welcome, Miss. Boss has been waiting for you,” One of the guards said, bowing his head slightly before motioning forward.

“Sure,” She replied calmly, following him without hesitation.

They walked through the main entrance and into a massive hallway that stretched endlessly ahead. Armed guards stood at intervals, silent, watchful, their presence heavy but disciplined.

At the end of the hall stood a set of tall double doors leading into what looked more like a private suite.

“Please, go in,” The guard said, stepping aside.

She entered.

She walked further in, slowly, taking it all in.

Then—footsteps.

Her fingers lifted to her face as she slowly removed her shades, turning just as a figure appeared at the top of the stairs.

Derek descended with unhurried confidence, a smile already forming as his eyes landed on her.

“Derek Parker…” She drawled, smirking as she walked toward him.

He opened his arms and pulled her into a brief embrace, placing a light kiss on her cheek before stepping back.

“Missed me?” She asked, tossing her bag onto the nearest couch.

He chuckled softly, eyes lingering on her.

“Of course,” He said smoothly.

“It’s my pleasure to finally see you again, my pretty Bianca.”

.

.

.

.

𝐓.𝐁.𝐂.